Cadillac struck gold with the Escalade, which became the go-to full-size SUV for the conspicuous consumption crowd. SRX has quietly hung around as Cadillac’s sole crossover vehicle, due for a major reworking for 2010.
Escalade
Escalade was introduced as a 1999 model, riding on the same platform that underlies the GMC Yukon and Chevrolet Tahoe, among other General Motors vehicles. Currently in its third generation after a major mechanical and cosmetic makeover for 2007, Escalade is available in a standard wheelbase version, an extended wheelbase version called “Escalade ESV” and a hybrid gas/electric version of the standard wheelbase model, as well as a short bed pickup version called the “EXT.” Base prices start at $63,155 for the Escalade, $65,760 for the ESV and $74,085 for the Hybrid, and can easily go up into the $80’s with options. Gas-only Escalades get a 6.2 liter V8 that produces 403 hp and 417 lb-ft of torque. The Hybrid gets a 6.0 liter V8 that cranks out 332 hp and 367 lb-ft of torque along with an electric motor. Fuel economy for the hybrid is estimated at 20 mpg city/21 mpg highway; for the Escalade and ESV, it’s 12 mpg city/19 mpg highway.
2009 Cadillac Escalade Hybrid Test Drive and Review
2009 Cadillac Escalade Hybrid Photo Gallery
2007 Cadillac Escalade Test Drive and Review
2007 Cadillac Escalade Photo Gallery
SRX
Cadillac’s crossover, the SRX, was first introduced as a 2004 model, and is in the final year of its product cycle for 2009. A new, smaller crossover was introduced at the 2009 North American International Auto Show as a 2010 model, due to hit showrooms late in 2009. The 2009 model is available with a 3.6 liter V6 (255 hp/254 lb-ft of torque) or a 4.6 liter V8 (320 hp/315 lb-ft of torque) with rear-wheel drive standard and all-wheel drive as an option. Base prices start at $41,235 for a V6-powered rear-wheel drive model up to $53,205 for a V8-powered AWD model, plus options. The EPA estimates the V6 RWD model for 15 mpg city/23 mpg highway, and the V8 AWD model for 13 mpg city/20 mpg highway.
